Boston's Newest Landmark: Ferdinand's Blue Store (Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building)

~ The historic Ferdinand's Blue Store, a long-standing anchor of Nubian Square in Roxbury, has recently been designated as Boston's newest landmark. The building, which has been a key commercial center since its construction in 1895, has also become a case study for adaptive renovation and sparked discussions about the importance of preservation.

The building's transformation into the Bruce C. Bolling Building has been met with some controversy, as it involved what is known as a "facadectomy." This process involves retaining the facade of a building while constructing a new structure behind it. While this compromise between development and preservation has faced opposition from some preservationists due to the loss of original materials and interior layouts, it has also proven to be an effective way to preserve the character of a streetscape while updating the building for modern use.

Ferdinand's Blue Store fell out of use in the 1970s and sat vacant for decades, coinciding with a period in Roxbury's history marked by discriminatory practices and underinvestment in the neighborhood. In 1989, concerned residents petitioned for the building to be designated as a landmark. After further study by the Boston Landmarks Commission, it was added to the list of sites in need of a study report.

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In 2007, Mayor Thomas M. Menino announced plans for the Dudley Vision Project, which included creating a new municipal center in Dudley Square. Fortunately, it was decided that the historic facade of Ferdinand's Blue Store would be preserved while constructing a new center behind it under the guidance of Building Conservation Associates.

After completing a study report this year, the Landmarks Commission voted unanimously on November 12th, 2025 to designate Ferdinand's Blue Store as a landmark based on its historical and architectural significance. This designation ensures that both the facade and air space above will be protected to maintain its prominence at the intersection.

According to consultant David Shaw's study report, "Perhaps in a world absent of discriminatory redlining and viciously destabilizing urban renewal projects, Ferdinand's could have survived." However, the building's preservation serves as a testament to ambition, effort, and innovation, and offers valuable lessons for future generations. The report also notes that Ferdinand's Blue Store has earned its place in Roxbury's rich history and deserves recognition as one of Boston's unique historic locations.

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The preservation of the historic facade as part of the Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building has received several awards, including a preservation award from the Boston Preservation Alliance in 2016 and the Harleston Parker Medal from the Boston Society of Architects in 2016. It also won a silver medal from the Rudy Bruner Awards for Urban Excellence in 2017.

More information about Ferdinand's Blue Store can be found in the study report for this property. Its designation as a landmark serves as a reminder of its significance to Roxbury's past and its importance in shaping its future.

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